Lighthouse Anchor Windlasses are made in the USA. Windlasses are are rated at continuous duty, not maximum pull as with most other winch manufacturers. Maximum pull on an average 12-volt winch could reach 3000 lbs., if vessel amperage is available. No ratchets or pawls to break, no other anchor winch has these features.
Stainless steel construction; won't corrode away like aluminum winches or rust like steel units. The chrome plating won't peel off like others that are brass. The only winch with 3 manual back-ups. Can be tailed just like any sheet winch. Has rapid manual rewind with use of a standard or ratcheting winch handle in capstan end.
A second winch handle socket on top of the winch is provided for kedging and allows a maximum pull manually through a 60:1 gear ratio. This means if only 35 lbs. of pressure is exerted on a standard 10" winch handle in kedging socket, a potential of 10,500 lbs. Is available at the capstan. For example;
35 lbs. X 10" = 350 lbs., 350 lbs. X 60 (gear ratio)= 21,000 lbs., divide 21,000 lbs. By the radius of the capstan (2")=10,500 lbs. On most boats, this could be the most powerful device for winching available.
Optional reversing is available without changing motors, and can be added at anytime. When powering out chain, it can not pull chain out of the locker, therefore cannot damage the deck, hawse pipes or winch. It only allows chain to fall at a controlled speed. The only winch to use urethane clutch materials. This will allow gradual take up of friction plates and can provide controlled slip rates, unlike others that are either on or off. Clutches should last indefinitely and are impervious to salt water and are protected from sunlight. Installation of the Lighthouse windlass is the simplest of any on the market, as told to us by riggers and owners alike.
Motor extension housings up to 48" are available from the factory. No other winch fits the bill for sail vessels due to its low profile (4" lower than comparable verticals). The lighthouse windlass fits a variety of sail and power vessels.
The Lighthouse windlass does not require deck blocking like most vertical winches. Therefore the Lighthouse windlass is not subject to failure, due to overhung, unsupported loads associated with vertical winches.
